E-rate Modernization: Promoting Connectivity for 21st Century Learning Environments

[Commentary] The New America Foundation’s Education Policy Program and Open Technology Institute jointly submitted recommendations to the Federal Communications Commission outlining ways to modernize the Commission’s E-rate program. Our recommendations underscore a more modern understanding of how connectivity is leveraged by schools, libraries and communities throughout the country.

While capacity has been lagging in schools and libraries throughout the country, we increasingly need more of it to meet 21st century demands. Further, we provide several specific recommendations addressing the need for greater program parity. Some of the proposed funding changes put forward by other stakeholders -- such as allocating E-rate dollars to schools on a per-pupil basis -- could actually lead to greater inequity due to the highly variable cost of broadband service across the country. In thinking through alternative funding structures for the program, making sure the funding structure takes into account these variations is crucial. We also caution against tying E-rate funding to specific educational outcomes. Additionally, we urge the FCC to look for ways to promote greater equity in E-rate’s treatment of support for our country’s youngest learners. Currently, the FCC recognizes state definitions of elementary and secondary schooling for funding decisions—unfortunately, in some cases this has led to unequal access to support.

[Lindsey Tepe is a program associate in the Education Policy Program at the New America Foundation]